I think I've lost my mind!

[DakotaSommers]

I went onto my long-forgotten blog and realized I hadn't added anything in almost a year. I can't imagine there are any readers left, but I made a declaration on it just so I might be more motivated to stick to it: a $5 veggie garden. After spending too much money on gardening over the last 3 years, I'm making a personal challenge to spruce up my fruit/veggie/herb garden and produce food this season for under $5.

What was I thinking??

[jujubee]

You can do it!

Can you trade and barter to stay in budget?

[purplemoon2008]

Gulp. I don't know if I could do that! Good luck!

[DakotaSommers]

jujubee, I'm hoping to barter and trade some things. I'm a little stuck on the rest of the seeds right now, because I can only trade locally so postage doesn't eat up my budget. But I'm hoping to get some manure, compost, or something from local friends.

Gulp. I don't know if I could do that! Good luck!

lol. I don't know if I can either, but I just got so frustrated last year with the expense vs. the little we got out of it. Too many obstacles last year that hopefully won't be there this year. It's forcing me to really look at the materials already around me in a new light, like leaves, rocks, etc. So far, I'm enjoying the "back to nature" route rather than heading to the store to buy, buy, buy.

[purplemoon2008]

Too many obstacles last year that hopefully won't be there this year. It's forcing me to really look at the materials already around me in a new light, like leaves, rocks, etc. So far, I'm enjoying the "back to nature" route rather than heading to the store to buy, buy, buy.

I agree! I don't know if we're talking about the same obstacles...but one HUGE factor, is obviously the weather! Personally, I'd rather have less rain....I can then control the watering aspect. Too much rain...you're stuck. That's one of the major issues I faced last year; cold, wet season. I peeked at your blog ~ with a pic of your garden site ~ it looked pretty big to me!! Even in the picture! I hope you'll be posting updates (with pics). Can't wait to see what you come up with!

[DakotaSommers]

Weather was a big obstacle, but in the form of a drought. It was either have a huge water bill, or just let the garden go. DH wanted everything planted in neat rows at least 3 feet apart, which wasted a lot of water. I can imagine too much water would be a bigger problem though.

I don't need such a big area if I do beds, and he's not really on board with the $5 challenge. I told him fine, you do part of the garden your way with your expenses, and I'll do part of it my way for $5 or less. So there.

[purplemoon2008]

Weather was a big obstacle, but in the form of a drought. It was either have a huge water bill, or just let the garden go. DH wanted everything planted in neat rows at least 3 feet apart, which wasted a lot of water. I can imagine too much water would be a bigger problem though.

I don't need such a big area if I do beds, and he's not really on board with the $5 challenge. I told him fine, you do part of the garden your way with your expenses, and I'll do part of it my way for $5 or less. So there.

I have to stop and remember...lots of people have to PAY for their water. I'm fortunate, in some ways, to have a well (a very DEEP well). The unfortunate part, however, would be running low on water. Ten years, no issue (knock on wood). And, actually, that would be neat idea; to have him do his part his way, and you do yours...see how it all turns out!

[Mrs_Koehn]

Wow, I don't think I could do it. Actually, I know I can't this year. I have to replace two panels in my garden because they got broken out (wind :| ) and I have to get a roll of hog wire or something because the cats are pooping in my boxes. I'm going to have to take a lot of dirt out bc of that, so I'll need more peat and vermiculite. Water and compost are free. Also, I've not got enough light inside for starters, so I can't start inside and keep them alive. Hubby's thinking about making me a light shelf. Other than that, I have all the seeds and stuff I could possibly want....

[kristen.c]

That's quite an undertaking-- I don't know if I could do it, either! I'm trying to be a little more basic in focus with my garden this year and still have a lot of seeds left from last year, but $5 isn't much! Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it goes.